9 Examples of Anthropomorphism (+ Writing Tips and Video Clips)

In today’s post, I’m going to pick some awesome examples of anthropomorphism.

Yes, I will talk about Animal Farm.

Charlotte’s Web is also listed.

I also have some super fun videos (one of which features a gecko making strawberry jam) and anthropomorphism writing tips you won’t find anywhere else.

So if you’re looking for an easy read on what anthropomorphism is and how it works, or just want some examples to fuel your creativity, you’re exactly where you need to be.

Let’s have fun.

What is anthropomorphism?

Anthropomorphism a is a powerful literary tool in which non-humans literally possess physical, emotional, or intellectual human characteristics.

It is usually used with animals or inanimate objects, but you can anthropomorphize any non-human entity.

For example:

• National personalities: Uncle Sam representing the United States
• Abstract ideas: As the Grim Reaper “Death”.
• Gods: Norse God Thor as a muscular, hammer-wielding warrior

Humanizing non-human things is so common in modern life that you may not even realize it.

But writers who use it definitely do.

Here’s why.

Why do writers use anthropomorphism?

Anthropomorphism turns ordinary stories into passionate adventures. Unpleasant concepts become award-winning books. Casual blog readers are impressed.

In short: it works.

Think about it, anthropomorphism is a multi-billion dollar strategy. And this strategy is used to attract the audience. (Just ask Disney!)

There are several reasons for this.

1. Anthropomorphism Rekindles Your Humanity

Remember Toy Story When is Andy going to box Woody and send him to the attic?

You begin to wonder about the fate of the anthropomorphic toy.

Why?

Because Woody has done nothing but show Andy unconditional love. But Andy can’t stay a kid forever and – BANG! – hits you:

And the times I boxed someone up and sent them to the attic? What if the people who boxed me in were in a dilemma I didn’t understand?

2. Anthropomorphism revives outdated tales

Imagine taking a gritty, abrasive subject and turning it into an award-winning novel.

(Ah, only every writer’s dream!)

George Orwell did just that Animal farm exploring politics with talking barnyard animals. It uses the age-old indictment of political systems, but presents it in a refreshing and exciting way.

Well done, Orwell.

3. Anthropomorphism Opens Your Eyes

Do you remember being a kid and watching Bambi for the first time? Do you remember when his mother died?

You are overwhelmed with thoughts and feelings of what it would be like to lose a parent, and you realize that you won’t be around mom and dad forever. Suddenly, your new understanding of life made you realize that existence is a fragile and finite thing.

And you grew up a little that day… Maybe you cried yourself to sleep afterwards, but that’s a story for another time.

9 Examples of anthropomorphism

From literature to poetry to pop culture, examples of anthropomorphism abound.

Let’s cover a handful of the most useful and you’ll be up to speed ASAP.

Examples of anthropomorphism in literature

1. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

CS Lewis’s The magical world of Narnia full of creatures with human qualities.

Aslan, the hero of the story, is a dual anthropomorphic representation, both lion and God.

Mr. and Mrs. Beaver describe him to the Pevensie children:

“I thought he was a man. Is he safe enough? I’d feel very nervous meeting a lion”… “Safe?” said Mr. Beaver… ‘Who said what about the safe? ‘Of course he’s not safe. But he is fine.”

Check them out here. If talking beavers don’t freak you out. In that case, move on. Otherwise…

2. Livestock farm

No discussion of examples of anthropomorphism is complete without it it’s a classic by George Orwell.

He uses ordinary farm animals to represent the events leading up to the Russian Revolution and then the Stalinist era – heavy objects.

Using human emotions and intelligence, the animals band together and drive the farmer off his farm. The poor guy never stood a chance.

“There, comrades, is the answer to all our problems. It is summed up in one word – Man.”

Check out this super short (and super informative) video that explores Animal Farm, detailing what each character—human and animal—represents:

3. Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte is a spider This is a classic children’s story By EB White.

Throughout the story, he continues with human-like intelligence and emotion—even surpassing the farmer at times.

“If I can fool a bug… I can certainly fool a human. Humans aren’t as smart as bugs,” he said.

Examples of anthropomorphism in poetry

4. Winnie the Pooh

This cute, round bear started out as a nursery rhyme in 1924, and the poem has been an integral part of Winnie’s magic ever since.

Here is a short example We are two:

He wants to do whatever I do.

“Where are you going today?” Pooh says:

“Well, that’s weird because I was too.”

5. The cat in the hat

Dr. Seuss was a master of anthropomorphic rhyme.

The tension between the Cat in the Hat and that poor goldfish was thick enough to cut with a knife.

“He shouldn’t be here,” said the fish in the pot. “He shouldn’t be here when your mother isn’t.”

Check out Mike Myers’ absolutely terrifying – though admirably beautiful – description The Cat in the Hat here:

6. Humpty Dumpty

This inhuman thing has been around for so long that you didn’t pause to realize it was an anthropomorphic egg.

Talk about a weird, mysterious poem. Here’s a reminder:

Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall,

Humpty Dumpty had a big fall.

All the king’s horses and all the king’s men

I couldn’t put Humpty back together.

Examples of anthropomorphism in pop culture

7. Wait but why

Don’t worry: Anthropomorphism is for bloggers too!

Tim Urban on his massively popular blog Wait But Whyshowed how effective it can be attracts readers’ attention. He introduced a pesky monkey to teach us about procrastination.

Do you have plans to do something today?

Instant Gratification Monkey has other plans (video begins right on the good side, but we recommend you watch everything):

8. Geiko’s Gecko

Most of us are familiar with Martin the Geico gecko.

He does it all.

He walks.

He speaks.

It saves people money on their car insurance. (Obviously, marketing is effective.)

Besides Martin, you can see all the other Inhuman characters, from Tony the Tiger to the M&M’s.

Check out this clip of a gecko making jam. Yes, you read that right: Preparing. Jam. Enjoy!

9. Disney attraction

Casa Madrigal, or Casita, is a cheeky anthropomorphic house from the cartoon Encanto. His human personality is greatly expressed despite not having a physical human form.

But how?

When he’s happy, he communicates with rhythmically moving tiles and drawers, and when he’s upset, he’ll turn on the house lights intermittently.

He is basically a member of the family and of course a communicative character who is an integral part of the plot.

(And look at this… We didn’t even talk about Bruno…)

What is the difference between anthropomorphism and personification?

Personalization is a figurative version of anthropomorphism.

It uses imagery or metaphor to give human characteristics to non-humans, animals or objects.

For example:

Of Monsters and Men used the avatar in their hit song Little Talks:

They read:

The stairs creak when I sleep

It keeps me awake

It’s the house that tells you to close your eyes

It’s not a house indeed when you say these words it is metaphorical.

Or Auntie might say, “My cat likes to show off when I’m around.” Now this may be one brave cat, but it doesn’t think to itself, “The Andersons are coming in at six, and I can’t screw up my performance like last time.”

What is the Difference Between Anthropomorphism and Zoomorphism?

Zoomorphism anthropomorphism is reversed.

This literary device occurs when a person is said to have or exhibit animal characteristics.

It can be used literally, as in superheroes.

• Spider-Man is a zoomorph because he can cling to walls like a spider.

Or it can be used figuratively.

• The Roman gladiator chased his prey in the coliseum.

5 Tips on How to Use Anthropomorphism in Your Writing

Just like a number of adults writing tips Although it exists, anthropomorphism can be used in different ways.

But here are five ideas to get you started:

1. Retell an epic classic

The classics have stood the test of time for generations, so you know they’re good.

Why not replicate one?

This frees up your focus on turning characters into inhuman things.

Muppet Christmas CarolAn anthropomorphic retelling of Charles Dickens’ famous tale is a great example. Do you hear classic characters clamoring to become Inhumans?

Will you listen?

2. Match the animals with the personalities

Don’t owls look sad? Are dolphins playful? Do hyenas like to steal big?

Disney’s 1973 animated adaptation of Robin Hood matches the wild animals’ real-life personalities.

• Robin is a cunning fox
• The evil sheriff of Nottingham is a cowardly monster
• Prince John is a timid, adolescent lion (King Richard is like a majestic lion with a full mane)

Give it a chance. (Don’t let Disney get all the good ones.)

3. Let Your Little Imagination Run

It’s easy to take this for granted because in retrospect, the toy revival stories are obviously going to be HUGE.

But no one knew before they started Toy Story it would be bad 373 million dollars. Or, in 1924, Winnie the Pooh would have been worth even more 5 billion dollars per year.

What would your inner child like to see come to life?

It can be profitable!

4. Solve a difficult topic

Political topics can be heart-wrenching at the best of times, but George Orwell anthropomorphized the dangers of poor government. Animal farm and we love him for it.

This is the power of anthropomorphism.

Is there a challenging subject you are passionate about? How about adding some sugar to the medicine?

Part of a controversial topic. Part of it is anthropomorphism. Stir and – Mhhh! – Readers will come.

5. Get weird

Being a little weird helps when writing anthropomorphically.

We’re talking weird, people, like when a little girl somehow falls down a rabbit hole and finds herself in a land where she encounters a mad hatter, a psychedelic cat, and a playing card that likes to chop off heads.

This, of course, is what happened Alice’s Adventures in WonderlandLewis Carroll’s novel has intrigued people for over 150 years.

The whole idea of ​​anthropomorphism is unique.

That’s part of the magic.

Use it.

Release Your Own Examples of Anthropomorphism into the Wild

Many writers lack the courage and know-how to take advantage of anthropomorphism.

And it makes sense.

A little silly, a little unusual.

Come on, nothing more than giving a non-human human some human characteristics. Sure, embodiment and zoomorphism add their own little twists and turns, but once you know what to look for, they’re also clear cut.

So put it fingertips for keyboard and use it powerful writer tool!

Add this secret ingredient to your writing recipe and you’ll look back to see more magic, more persuasion, and more creativity in your work.

Your readers won’t know what hit them!